Wedding Glossary

    Reception

    Cocktail Hour

    A 60-90 minute period between the ceremony and reception when guests drink, eat appetizers, and the wedding party finishes photos.

    Cocktail hour bridges the gap between the ceremony and the seated reception. The couple is usually absent — finishing portraits — unless they did a first look and have already wrapped photo blocks.

    Programming: passed hors d'oeuvres or a small stationary display, a half-open bar, ambient music. Plan for 5-7 hors d'oeuvres per guest over the hour. Skipping cocktail hour entirely shaves money but creates an awkward gap in the day for guests.

    Related terms

    First Look

    A private moment where the couple sees each other in wedding attire before the ceremony, photographed by the wedding photographer.

    Bar Package

    A pre-priced reception bar offering: open bar, cash bar, beer & wine only, or limited-call.

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